ironeyedkiller

[ironeyedkiller]

Mo' Penis, Mo' Problems

Vishous: *Almost a month had passed since the Brotherhood brought Xhex in to test the trainees. Almost a month of cop being gone. Almost a month of trying to figure out what the fuck was normal now. Half of my night was spent with the King at the audience house. Tohr_hharm_bdb, #Phury, #Rhage, and #Z was getting ready to escort #Wrath back to the mansion. I had decided to stay behind, logging into the secretary computer to do some more screenings for the Trainee Program. I had hours to kill and the night off. Just then the civilian phone line rang on the desk and I let it go to voicemail. The voice on the other end of the line was not who I expected, and I picked up the receiver before she finished her sentence.* "I didn't expect to hear from you so soon. If you would have asked nicely, I could have given you my personal number." I mused. 

Xhex: [Why the hell does the earth never open up to swallow you whole when you really need it to? Like now.] Vishous. I don’t have the words to express how much I am /not/ in the mood for you right now. [Seriously, it’s not that hard to let shit go to voicemail, but no, apparently the civilian line has some sort of old school answering machine function that lets people pick up before you’ve said your piece. At least @MurhderBDB_ is still in my underground room, though I doubt that will last long. Tapping the button for speaker, I set my phone on the counter as I start filling my kettle.] Look, I need to meet with you. Somewhere neutral, because I won’t be alone. And fast. [Sighing, I switch my phone back as I set the water to boil. If I’m lucky, this will all get handled quickly, and without any grief. Then again, when has Vishous ever /not/ given me grief?]

Vishous: *smirking as I parked my ass in the leather chair around the desk.* "Not alone and fast? You must have enjoyed yourself so much at our last encounter that you want to bring a friend. I'm not opposed to threesome's but I didn't peg you for that MO."

Xhex: [I can hear the smirk through the phone, the twist of the lip creating a tone that is unmistakable. Fuck business. Vishous has a knack for getting my back up, under my skin, and in my head all at once.] So you went bragging, and /that's/ why John Matthew showed up at my cabin in full bonded male mode? I'm amazed you both survived. [There is nothing to punch in easy range, except walls. Nowhere near as satisfying as the throat of a certain male. Who would probably enjoy the pain. Scrubbing a hand over my hair, I wait for a response.]

Vishous: "I'm not one to brag, however your scent on me must have pissed him off. So instead of asking the right questions, he went to you. *Shrugging even though you couldn't see it* "It's not my business what happens between you two. So you want to tell me why you called this phone? Or are we going to flirt through this line all night?"

Xhex: [Growling low, I shake my head. Fuck, if I knew what one drink would lead to…] I called the Brotherhood line about Brotherhood business. As for flirting with you? Between John Matthew and… the other male who showed up at my cabin? Mo' penis, mo' problems. 

Vishous: *chuckling at your statement but then very quickly back to business* "Brotherhood business? Start talking."

Xhex: [Finally! Still wishing I had been able to leave a simple voicemail, I know there is no easy or gentle way to do this. And I hate beating around the bush anyway.] Murhder. I got home last night, and Murhder was in my cabin.

Vishous: *I set my jaw, sitting up straighter in the chair.* "How exactly did he get into your cabin?"

Xhex: [Confession time.] I gave him a key. A long time ago. [No way am I going into the details of that with anyone, let alone Vishous. I knew it was dangerous to go to the colony. I knew I might never come back. And I knew Murhder was getting attached. It had been almost dawn when I pressed the key into his hand, and told him how to find my cabin. Then I wrote him a letter, explaining what I was and why I left, and dematerialized to my father's people.] I don't know what to make of his reason for coming back now. So. Where do you want me to take him? [Waiting for an answer, I lean over to check my front door for my houseguest.]

Vishous: *My diamond eyes narrowed and I found myself clenching the receiver a little too tightly.* "What makes you think the Brotherhood wants anything to do with the male. We kicked his ass out because he's bat shit crazy, feel me? As far as I'm concerned it sounds like a you problem."

Murhder: *I stood at the front door, having spent the dawn in the cabin's basement. I didn't sleep. I couldn't. Instead I focused on every creek the floorboards made as she walked along them. The ding of the microwave and the smell of coffee as she prepared her cup. The scents of soap and sounds of rushing water as she bathed. And at last the sounds of her breathing as she slept. Did I let myself in? Knock? Fuck. I knocked.*

Xhex: [Of all the fucking short-sighted, narrow-minded, pass the buck bullshit… Vishous had to call me on mine. Fuck.] You're right. It is my problem that he showed up at my place. Then again, he might not have been able to find any of you males, since you all live at Club Testosterone now. The Commodore wasn't even built the last time Murhder was in town. [Raking a hand through my hair, I try to moderate my tone, as much as I want to snarl and rip someone's throat out, it's not productive.] Look, I'm not so sure on the crazy. What he's describing does not sound like how my… how symphaths work. Kicked out or not, he still has a Brotherhood scar, and a Brotherhood name. You can't cut that loose in Caldwell. [Hearing a sharp rap at the door, I am done with reason.] Give me a time and an address, or I'm at the front door in fifteen. [Checking that the blade holstered at the small of my back is still secure and accessible, I march to my door, my bootheels ticking off the seconds.]

Vishous: *Well I can't argue with that* "Meet me at your club, we can talk in your office. Currently I don't want him anywhere near the First Family." *I hung up before she could argue locale and made my way out of the Audience House. I did a double check on my weapons before dematerializing into the crisp night air.*

Xhex: The club is hardly… [Too late to protest as the line goes dead. At least Vishous agreed to meet with Murhder. Shoving my phone in my back pocket, I reach out to open the door. My eyes narrow on the male on the other side. I hope he's ready for this. I may not be able to get John Matthew to unbond, but maybe I can help get Murhder back where he belongs.] Vishous has agreed to see you. We need to get downtown. I'd take my bike but [Vishous might decide against the meeting if we take too long] it's built more for speed than passengers. We can dematerialize in stages. Some parts of the city have barely changed.

Murhder: *I was about to knock again when the door swung open. Judging from her facial expressions and tone she was less than thrilled.* "I'm not going unarmed, and I'll follow your lead."

Vishous: *I made my appearance around the back of the club, before walking around to the entrance. I cut the line and the bouncer immediately let me inside. I push past the moving bodies to the staircase that led up to Xhex's office. There was another bouncer standing by the entrance.* "I have a meeting with your boss. She's on her way. I'd like to wait for her inside." *He eyed me up and down and I assumed he realized he wouldn't win that battle, before opening the door and letting me in. He didn't close the door. He was watching me. Whatever. I parked it on one of the couches in her very large office. And waited.*

Xhex: [Not sure if I'm relieved or disappointed that things are going down with this meeting so quickly. Part of me expected a fight, and part of me wanted one. Nodding once, I search my memory for some of the least changed areas of Caldwell. The police station hasn't changed anything except the paint in decades. Well, the cameras may have gotten an upgrade, but they're easy to wipe.] You remember where the cop shop is? There's a flat roof section at the back with the mechanicals. It will keep us clear of the police, and give us good sight lines to get down to street level. [Grabbing my jacket, I pull it in and lock the door, before scattering myself to get downtown.]

Murhder: *Nodding, I scattered my molecules to the wind until I reached the destination she mentioned. I made sure to reappear on the roof like she said, keeping my body low and instantly scanning the area before she appeared. I didn't want to take any chances, especially with her safety, even though I knew she could handle herself. When I knew the area was clear I stood up. The streets were definitely busier, louder, and smelled. The lights were blinding. It was almost an overload to the senses. But beneath it all it felt like home.* 

Xhex: [Reforming on the roof of the CPD, I take a moment to assess Murhder. Everything I can see passively looks like the warriors he is, collected and ready for anything. His grid is impossible to get a read on though, almost like Everything's OK brand sheetrock to hide the emotional structure. Neat trick. Leaning over one edge of the building, careful not to cast a shadow on the ground below, I look down to see a perp walk in progress. Putting a finger to my lips for quiet, I follow up with three fingers, then a square, and a direction point. Three blocks that way is a blank lot, beside a warehouse scheduled for the same demolition fate as the patch of land I've indicated. I wait only long enough for an acknowledgement before dematerializing to the target.]

Murhder: *Shifting back into full warrior stealth mode, I watch her hand signals and nod as she dematerializes again. I wait a moment before following her.*

Vishous: *Growing God damn impatient, I shoot Xhex's bouncer a look and stand up to leave. I hurry down the staircase and leave the building through the back entrance. I guess I'll find her myself, she wouldn't be stupid enough to bring him to the Audience House. With my blood in her system she will be easy enough to track. I concentrate and dematerialize a few blocks away from the club.*

Xhex: [Taking shape in the vacant lot, I scan for any random humans. This stretch of land is painfully open, despite being in the shadow of a warehouse, but people are rarely smart. Luckily, there are no stray junkies or drunks tonight, but there is a tent set up right beside the abandoned building. Jogging over, I reach for my blade, knowing Murhder should be here any second in case there's trouble.]

Murhder: *I reappeared a few meters away from where Xhex was now jogging. Her blade was drawn and I immediately withdrew a blade from it's holster and ran to catch up. I made sure my footfalls were quiet. Something wasn't right, but I didn't have time to figure it out. Shit hit the fan and fast.*

Xhex: [Despite the odd location, nothing about the tent stands out on closer inspection, my ears perk up at noises from inside the warehouse though. The building is boarded and taped, but the door is wide open, the lock clearly cut. Checking behind me for Murhder, I slip inside the door, and quickly off to one side. The stench inside is unmistakable. Lessers.]

Murhder: *Riding Xhex's ass was an understatement. I could smell Lessers all over this place. Before I could tell her this was definitely a bad idea and we should wait for V or backup, she had slipped behind the wide door. I followed her, keeping low and moving in front of her. I cursed to myself, wishing I had come more armed. A dagger and a few knives wasn't going to cut it. But I'll make do. I've worked with less. And my female was armed. And she knew how to shoot. My female? No Murhder, not anymore. I shook my head to let her know this was definitely a bad idea when I heard footsteps coming closer from inside. I held up my fingers, four maybe five. I widen my stance, the handle of the blade to my chest, pointy end outwards, and waited.*

Vishous: *Reforming my molecules to a dark corner near the entrance of an abandoned warehouse, was definitely not where I expected Xhex to be. I knew immediately from the stink that this was not where we should be. Heavy footfalls came from around the corner and I palmed my glock. The lesser reached in the back of his pants but I had my gun drawn and fired off a few rounds in his skull. More than likely alerting his friends. I moved to where he went down and kicked the gun from his hand. I unsheathed a dagger and plunged it into his chest cavity. With a flash of light and a pop he was no more than a slick puddle of black oil. I wiped the dagger off on my leathers and sheathed it. Then I crouched, keeping my gun pointed to the ground and went inside to the entrance of the warehouse. I found cover off to the side where I spotted Murhder and Xhex across from me. Bullets whizzed past my cover and lots of shouting. Fucking great they had guns and there was at least five of them. I waited until there was a pause in the gunfire before popping up from my cover and aiming for whatever limbs I could see. The warehouse was dim, and echoing bullets left and right. It was hard to pinpoint the exact location of gunfire. I tucked down again and reloaded my last clip. I glanced over to Xhex and Murhder and raised up my gun, signaling I was almost out. The voices were coming closer, gunshots louder. Fuck.*

Xhex: [Nodding in agreement at Murhder’s assessment of the numbers we’re up against, I’m already planning my first attack when I feel an echo of my own blood materialize outside. For maybe the first time in my life, I hope it’s Vishous. And then a gunshot rings out from outside, putting all of the lessers inside on high alert. The first bullet inside confirms that any chance I had of cloaking myself and taking the enemy out quietly is gone. Damn. Pulling out the dagger from the small of my back, I know I’ll have to wait for a reload. Seeing Vishous duck in with a Glock in hand, I really hope his shot wasn’t the one that started this party. Not that it changes anything now. Five of them with firearms, three of us with only one gun, and limited ammo. At least the lessers seem to be burning through their bullets without bothering to find a target first. Idiots. Cocking my head to the side, I focus on the one steadily approaching set of footsteps. Adjusting my grip on my blade for a low attack, I raise my left hand, pointing to the spot I expect to the lesser, and count down, folding in my fingers. Three. Two. One.]

Murhder: *My dagger hand burned and I sensed something in the air, my head turned to see a huge male with diamond eyes tuck in cover from the entrance. Had to be Vishous, and he was armed. I returned my attention to the short pause in gunfire and Xhex had changed her stance, she was going to go in for an attack while the lesser was reloading. As she moved in, Vishous was providing cover fire but another lesser stepped out of the shadows and I moved. A fucking blur of shadows as the lesser raised his handgun at my female. I only saw red before I jumped him, my dagger plugged into the side of his throat. Black blood spewing. He stumbled back with me on top of him. I snapped his arm with the gun and he screamed as the gun fell with a clatter. I had his body pinned on the ground with mine, my knees on his thighs. I clawed at his face, and his chest with my hands. Shredding cloth and meat. My hands soaked in oil slick blood, squelching as I rearranged his organs. The fucker had stopped screaming and I pulled out another dagger and plunged it into his empty chest cavity. Sending him straight back to the Omega. Another lesser turned the corner, he dropped his gun in horror and V popped him with a bullet between the eyes. When the lesser went down I finished him off as well.* 

Xhex: [The split second of time it takes to clear the corner is all the time it takes for everything to go to hell. I don’t know why I expected Murhder would let me take the lead, but his charge throws off my own planned attack. With two blinding flashes in quick succession, I lose track of the remaining enemies, but not the fully loaded gun that dropped. Diving for the weapon with the burning afterimage interfering with my vision, I rely on my hearing to track enemies as my hand closes on the butt of the gun. Vishous has his hands full with one lesser, but where is the last? Running through my count again, I feel my stomach drop as I hear a gunshot. Swinging around to the sound, I plug the fucker quick, four compass point shots to center body mass. It's only as I reach for my dagger to finish off my target that the sequence of events registers in my mind. The lesser I just shot had Vishous dead to rights. But he's still up. And Murhder isn't. Closing my eyes against the flash, I plunge my dagger into the oozing chest cavity. There's red blood too, and way too much of it. Pulling out my phone to dial Manello, I snap at Vishous.] Quit playing, Murhder's hit! 

V: *I was out of fucking ammo and Murhder just had to play raging vampire. I knew he was crazy, but I didn't realize he was “hey let me charge a lesser without a gun” crazy. I moved quickly as Murhder was plunging daggers into bodies. Two left. I moved past Murhder, palming a dagger when a lesser turned the corner and slams me up against the wall. My dagger slides out of my hand and I knee the fucker in-between his legs and shove hard. He staggers enough for me to get a hold around his body, but he is big and it's a power struggle. A gunshot goes off right, close enough to make my fucking ears ring. The lesser gets an arm free and uppercuts my solar plexus. Multiple gun shots. I twist and put a hand on each shoulder, bringing his head down. I slam my knee into his face, once, thrice. Black blood spews and he goes down. My ears stop ringing enough for me to register shouting. My name. I quickly pull out a dagger and finish off the lesser in front of me. Nearly out of breath I turn and access the situation. Xhex is screaming at me, holding a phone to her ear while her other hand is covering Murhders neck. The blood was spilling like a fountain and the brother was gagging and turning blue.*

Xhex: [Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! This is way beyond basic bandaging. Hitting the speaker button, I drop my phone on Murhder's chest so I have a free hand to search for something I can use on this wound.] How the hell am I supposed to know what too much pressure is? His color sucks, but I don't know if that's blood loss, or if I'm choking him trying to stop the bleeding! [Pulling a scarf out of my pocket, something from Trez on a recent cold night, I wad the fabric up and press it firmly to the wound. I'm sure the human doctor is using his most calm voice, but the words are a meaningless buzz beyond the obvious fact that his voice coming through the phone means he is not here to take over. Vishous, though, is a trained medic. Even though it sets my teeth on edge, I turn to the male.] Tell me what to do to help you. Manello is on the way.

Vishous: *I go over and get to my knees* "Hold him up and move the scarf so I can see the wound." *She manages to get Murhder in a somewhat upright position and I notice the bullet wound from the side of the males neck. I speak loudly so Manny can hear me* “Bullet wound to the side of the throat. I'm going to have to perform an emergency tracheotomy.” *I pull out a pen from my jacket and unscrew the tip off, pulling out the ink cartridge and tossing it aside. I unsheathe a clean dagger and make a small incision on the anterior side of his neck. I put the dagger down and insert the empty pen to open a direct airway so that he can breathe. Manny is shouting ETA but I hear none of it. My glowing eyes flick to Xhex.* “Don’t worry he will live.”

Xhex: [The field aspect of the surgery happening in front of me is the only thing saving me from a full on panic attack. Swap that dagger for a scalpel, and I would be hyperventilating in a corner.] He better. He just saved us both. [The need to get away, to pace, to move, is making my skin crawl. I can't even look at Murhder anymore, knowing the only thing I can do is exactly what I am doing. Years later, when Manello /finally/ arrives - it's probably two minutes, but whatever - I'm too numb to help lift the male into the surgical unit. Not tracking anything anyone is saying to me, I still manage to scramble into the back of the vehicle. Some noise of protest follows, because nobody wants the symphath with the fear of hospitals screwing up life saving surgery.] You need a female in case he needs to feed. [Dead. Silence. The clang of the closing door starts up all the chatter and activity again.  I park my ass on a stool in a corner, unsure what I just started, but very certain that it will come back to bite me. Soon.]

[ironeyedkiller]

Intruder Guest

Murhder: *It was colder than I remember on the bank of the Hudson. The wind blew softly, offering promises of winter yet to come. My heart was a pounding inside my chest. I let out a long breath I didn't realize I was holding. I was good at blending into the shadows. A fucking master. Not that anyone was around here anyway. I moved to the door and withdrew the brass key from my pocket. I Inserted it into the lock and turned it slowly. Every click it made was like a stabbing inside my mind. Why was I here? Why are you here? I turned the door knob and pushed gently. Darkness greeted me. I inhaled the air. It was thick with her scent, recently she was here. But also that of a males. Dark spices, slightly familiar. But I couldn't quite place it. A carnal feeling stirred in my bloodstream and I quickly pushed it down. I had to get the fuck out of here. What was I doing? Fuck the nightmare and the warning. She clearly had someone to protect her. Hell she was doing great by herself all these years. I turned to leave and stopped dead in my tracks*

Xhex: [It had been another long ass night at the club. Boring as all hell, leaving me numbed out. The slight bite in the air would be just enough to be uncomfortable if I had come in on my motorcycle. With avoiding the entire Brotherhood being high on my to-do list, dematerializing is my current preferred mode of transport. As I reform at the edge of my property, all my senses come alive. The dagger from the small of my back is in my hand before I consciously process why. The door is slightly ajar, not obvious, but enough for me to notice. Someone is here. Willing myself across the clearing, I scent the air, expecting John Matthew. While his bonding is still in the air, another male is currently in my cabin. Why the hell is Murhder here? It's been decades since the mess at the symphath colony. Decades with no word whatsoever, until I spotted a portrait in a commercial. Slipping inside, I swear I hear a growl as Murhder spins toward the door, peach eyes flashing. Stepping in close, I plant my blade along the male's throat, keeping my eyes locked on his.] You don't write. You don't  call. You show up entirely unannounced. So tell me, Murhder, how have you been? [Every muscle in my body is coiled, ready to react if this male is as insane as it last seemed.]

Murhder: *Xhex stood before me, her gunmetal grey eyes cutting into me like steel. Steel? In a moment of being completely distracted by her being here, she had put a dagger to my throat. My lips twisted in a dark smirk.* "I'd expect nothing less from you." *I put my palms up, nothing in my hand but that didn't mean I was unarmed.* 

Xhex: [How much damage had my father's people done to this male's mind? His response had nothing to do with my question. Keeping my breathing even, and my hand steady, I shift one foot, ready to trip Murhder if I need to. The motion of his hands registers in my peripheral vision, but the gesture isn't an attack, so I maintain my focus. If Murhder still has feelings for me, John's bonding scent could send things sideways.] You're a long way from South Carolina. Why. Are. You. Here?

Murhder: *Inhaling that scent again, my nostrils flared. Before I could stop myself, I did more than just answer.* "I came to make sure you were ok. Something told me to come back. But it seems like you are doing pretty fucking well." *I took a step forward, the blade biting Into my throat. I could smell blood. Somehow that made my mind a bit clearer.* 

Xhex: I appreciate your concern, but you're a little late on my last two near death experiences. [Shit. He walked right into my blade, a trickle of blood easing it's way along the metal, another down his skin. This male is still unstable, so I need to tread carefully. Shifting my balance again, my eyes flick briefly to the blood.] How about you have a seat, and we can talk. I guarantee things are not what you think.

Murhder: *I felt my heart drop as she mentioned near death experiences. Fuck, I should have came back sooner. I shook my head, the blade cutting a little deeper. I put my hands by my sides, my peach eyes forlorn.* "I should have come back sooner." I muttered. "Are you going to put the blade down? If you were going to open my throat, I'd be bleeding out right now." *Not that I would stop her if she decided to go through with it.* 

Xhex: [Remorse. Even with my cilices on, I can feel the emotion. Whatever has been going on for the last quarter century, this is not the hatred I expect and deserve. With a growl of frustration, I pull back my dagger hand, not moving as I measure the mood again. Popping up on my toes, I quickly lick the wound closed, suppressing a groan at the taste.] You want coffee? I still only keep instant.

Murhder: *She moved the dagger away, but what caught me off guard was when she licked my throat. My heart slammed in my chest and I stopped breathing again. She was saying something? I was a deer in the fucking headlights. She still had this affect on me, and after all this time. Breathe. You stupid fuck.* "I'm sorry what?" 

Xhex: [Still up on my toes, my lips close enough to warm from the heat of Murhder's skin, I can feel the catch of breath before his pulse accelerates. Great job, Xhex. Perfect way to start a conversation. If you plan to hold the entire conversation naked.] Coffee. [The word barely comes out on a breath. I place my hand in the center of his chest, and push off lightly, settling my weight.] Do you want some coffee while we talk about why you showed up here after twenty five years?

Murhder:*Finally I heard her. Though her touch was making listening a lot more complicated.* "Coffee, yes please." I managed. *I stepped out of her reach and parked it in the nearest chair.* 

Xhex: [Nodding once, I turn and step into my galley kitchen. Two mugs. Two scoops of freeze dried coffee. One kettle. Five minutes to organize my thoughts, and calm my fucking hormones. John's bonding scent lingering in the cabin doesn't really help with that, but how could I have known I would have a reason to scrub my place down with bleach? So much has changed, I don't know where to start. This bad feeling Murhder spoke of could be a long game, twisted suggestion planted by the symphaths who tortured him. Zero chance that he'll let me access his mind to check. Unlike John, so open, even after how I treated him. And how do I even explain John to Murhder? The whistle of the kettle snaps me out of my thoughts. No more stalling. Filling the mugs, I inhale deeply, as if the scent can clear my mind. Taking the mugs back to the other room, I offer both to the male dwarfing my wicker chair before taking a sip of my own. It’s a good thing he didn’t take the other chair that I know is not as sturdy as it looks. Sitting down gingerly to avoid pacing, I keep my gaze level.] I'm sure you have questions. Why don't we start there?

Murhder: *I take one of the mugs offered and sip. It's really fucking hot. But the scald helps my head clear. Now if only my heart would stop beating so fast. I put the mug down carefully on the wooden table. My peach eyes staring down. I can't even look at her.* "How long have you been mated?" 

Xhex: I'm not mated. I know why you ask, but that? Fuck. That was a mistake. [Taking a sip of my coffee, I wonder idly if this is how Rehvenge feels; I know my mouth is burning, but I'm too numb to feel it. Or much of anything.] It almost happened. I thought I would go through with it if he asked. I could tell doggen were making preparations for something. [The mansion had practically been buzzing. John had left with his sister on some mystery errand, but the doggen had been zipping around like the social event of the century was about to go down. The two things had happened in quick succession. A tiny female doggen had tapped on the door to John's room, carrying a tray big enough to be a small table, covered in girly what the fuck. Nail polish, perfume, brushes, hairspray, and every type of makeup imaginable. She set it up in the bathroom, and darted out while I was still trying to process the implications. Then, the TV commercial came on, and I saw Murhder's face.] I couldn't destroy another male of worth. I bolted. Makes things tense when I interact with the Brotherhood now. John - Tehrror, long story - showed up at the worst time for both of us.

Murhder: *My peach eyes watched her intensely as she mouth the words (not mated). I raised a dark brow at her last.* "So he is a member of the Brotherhood? And you never were a female to stay put." *Smooth Murhder. Real smooth.* "So the reason I'm here will make no fucking sense. I'm almost hesitant to tell you. You will think I'm more fucked up than the stories they tell." 

Xhex: [I shake my head, not really seeing the room around me.] He's not a Brother, but he should be. Lives with them and trains with them. Darius' son, apparently. [I wave my hand, like the gesture can somehow clear the air of my words. If not the lingering bonding scent. ] I know my father's people tortured you, so I have some handle on how fucked up you may be. Tell me why you came. If it's some trick they left in your head, I can try… [my eyes snap up to Murhder, finally focusing in] If you trust me, I can try to fix it, or create a workaround.

Murhder: *Breath slammed from my chest as she mentioned fixing me. My hands gripped the table, knuckles turning white. I swallowed, my eyes darting around the room.* "No...not in my head. I can't." *The words came out in shallow breaths, a whisper.*

Xhex: [Breaking eye contact, I ease back in my chair hoping it won’t fall apart under me, holding my mug with both hands.] Okay. I understand, and I won't do anything without your permission. [Taking a sip, I wait for Murhder's breathing to even out.] Talk it out. I'll stay out of your head, but take your time, and talk it out.

Murhder: *As my breathing returned to normal I felt like a fool. I was showing her weakness. I'm a warrior, not weak. I relaxed and let go of the table before it snapped. Then, I picked up my mug and drained the contents gathering my thoughts. Would she see me as weak? Unworthy? What? Jesus it's not like you're here to be with her. Even though certain feelings had resurfaced when I scented the cabin. I placed the empty mug down and locked eyes with her. Why did she have to look at me like that? Well it definitely wasn't pity, or weakness I saw in her steel eyes as she looked at me. My lips twisted up in a smirk.* "The past few months I haven't been able to sleep. Every nightmare is a warning. There are shadows, smoke, and you screaming, reaching out to me. But I can't save you, because I'm not there. The more time had passed the clearer the nightmare became. Then, last night a shadow spoke to me. He told me I was needed here, it was time to go home. And here I am." 

Xhex: [Sipping my coffee, I wait. I wait patiently as Murhder pulls himself back together. Patience. I can't push this male. The play of emotions across his face is almost as clear as reading his grid would be, but I keep a tight grip on those abilities. Blood has already been shed, there's no need for a total mental tailspin. Fuck. I've fed twice very recently, but the taste from sealing Murhder's wound still lingers, in spite of my scalding instant coffee. Once he starts speaking, I focus on the details of the nightmare. It's certainly something a symphath could pull off, but why? The timeline of it makes no sense. Sin eaters get off on messing with people, but to set a mental landmine with no clear trigger except time - and a lot of it - has no real payoff.] Well… the good thing is, that I don't think this is something they left in your mind at the colony. Beyond that? I can't think of any reason I would be around fire. And besides… [Unwanted, images of my escape from Lash spring to mind. Even starved, bleeding internally, and near death, I was able to dematerialize to my crash pad. Clearing my throat, I try again.] Besides, I have rarely been so stressed that I couldn't dematerialize to safety. I can offer you a basement room for the day, or we still have time to get you to the Brotherhood, but we should figure out where you're going to stay. [Shit. Could I sound any more like I'm trying to shove the male out of my life again?] I mean, you're welcome to stay, but this place is all windows. The basement has to be accessed through the garage. [Smooth, Xhex. Real smooth. Shut up, and drink your coffee.]

Murhder: *My brows furrowed as I listened to you. There was something you were not telling me. Something that bothered you. I wanted to press but everything was too fresh. Too soon.* "I'm glad you don't think it has anything to do with sympaths. The Brothers wouldn't be so welcoming and your mate would not want me staying here. I'll figure out something. However, if you could, I'd be more than grateful if you were able to make it where I could speak to a Brother." *Though I had no fucking clue to what I'd say. Hey I'm back. I know you kicked me out but I thought you could use my help?*

Xhex: I DON'T HAVE A FUCKING MATE! [Shit. Way to play hostess, yelling at a guest. Intruder guest? Whatever. Rubbing the spot between my brows, I wonder why this is bothering me so much, but that's a problem for another day.] Look, the kid deserves better than me, in spite of the bonding bullshit, okay? I'd think you understand /that/ better than most. [Doing the coffee thing again, I try to pull my head out of my ass, and think.] I can't take you to the compound, that would probably get us both shot. The audience house is out too, because of the volume of civilians Wrath sees nightly.  [How about Vishous' penthouse? Because this male already thinks I have a mate, why not a dominant side piece, too? Feeling a flush creep across my cheeks, I pull a quick redirect.] I don't know if you heard, but Wrath is truly ruling now. So much has changed…. They all know about me, by the way. As long as I mind my manners, I'm considered an ally. [So the last twenty five years of your exile have been pointless. Yay? Scrubbing my hand over my hair, I try yet another approach.] Why don't you tell me which Brother you want to get in touch with, pick one, and I can make it happen. 

Murhder: *As she shouts at me I can't help but to smirk. I've pissed her off but she's made it clear she's not mated. Why do I care again? I stand up from the table, stretching a bit before leaning against the wall.* "Wrath was always meant to be king. Fuck of a temper but it's good to know he's where he belongs. It's good that you have the Brothers watching your back. Let's see, how about Darius? He seems the most level of them all."

Xhex: [This male has thrown me off-balance, and seems entirely too pleased by it. As he stretches, my eyes flick over the body I once knew very well. Is this an attempt to remind me what I lost? Smug bastard. Hearing the name Darius, my irritation drains out of me on a long exhale.] I forget all the things you missed. You have been entirely cut off from the race, haven't you? Darius died a few years back. Lessers took him out with a car bomb. Fucking cowards. [I may have never met the male, but for a warrior to be victim of such tactics? A low blow, even from the undead enemy.] I'm sorry. One of the others can fill you in on everything that's changed. I don't know where to start. 

Murhder: *I shift and my brows furrow* "What? Fuck." *I start pacing around the small space before stopping to look at you.* "I'll kill all of those pussy fuckers, with my bare hands." *My fangs elongates and a low growl escapes my throat before I could catch myself.* 

Xhex: [I should not find the sight of your fangs attractive, especially given the grief behind the anger, but damn if my body doesn't heat at the display of male aggression.] There are new rules for killing them. The Dhestroyer prophecy. It keeps them from going back to the Omega. [Standing up, I stretch before gathering the empty cups. Busy work to deny my body's response? Probably. ] I'm not explaining anything well. You should hear this from the Brothers.

Murhder: *I run my hand through my long black and red hair, turning away from you to compose my anger. I put my fangs away, watching you busy yourself with the mugs.* "Vishous, if he will see me, that's the brother I'll talk to. See what's going on in Caldwell and how I can help. I'm not counting on anything but for him to tell me to fuck right off, but I need to try. Didn't you say things have gotten bad? And with Darius being gone…"

Xhex: [Of course you want to talk to Vishous. Who else can catch you up on twenty-five years of everything in ten sentences or less? Fuck. If I could go back in time, I would have declined Vishous' offer, and never ended up tackling the male and straddling him while I fed. Taking a deep breath, I clear my throat.] Vishous. Right. Good choice. [Looking at the time, I know there is no way I can pull this off tonight. Dawn is too close. Rinsing the mugs, I set them on a rack to dry.] I'll call him at nightfall, but for now, let's get you settled? [Under me, in my bed maybe? Nope. Not going there.] Like I said, there's an underground room you can access through the garage. Did you bring any bags? 

Murhder: *Watching you rinse the mugs, the expression on your face clearly giving away that you were concentrating on something, and I was willing to bet it wasn't the dishes.* "No, I just left. I didn't have much to begin with. Thank you for the coffee and the room." *I walked past you, purposely brushing my shoulder against your arm as I made my way out the front door to get around to the garage.* 

Xhex: [Such simple contact, but the way my body responds? I might as well be stripped, ready to be taken on my kitchen counter. Not. Good. It's not like I'm desperate for sex, or blood, so there is no reason why I am reacting like this. Drying my hands quickly, I dematerialize out through the open door to get in front of you. No need letting you know how much steel mesh lines my cabin.] Through here. It has a washroom. The kitchenette has basic survival rations, but nothing fresh. So. I'll see you this evening, and we can get in touch with Vishous. [Not waiting for any further response, I walk back to my cabin, and the cold shower I badly need.]

#IntruderGuest #BDB #AU #SL

[ironeyedkiller]

Repercussions

JM: *Bonded male instincts are complete bullshit. Fuck the Scribe Virgin for ever making this hell a thing. Oh hey, V’s father already did that, didn’t he? Kind of like he went and fucked my mate. So what if we never got mated, it doesn’t change the way I want to strangle Vishous every time I see him, from as far away as possible. Before I leave the room so I don’t die trying to kill him. Rhage had the history of sleeping with mated females, but Vishous? No, his rep is all about hardcore, whips, chains, wax and my vanilla ass has no clue what else. God, I hope Xhex made him bleed. No, wait, I hope she didn’t. I hope they both hated it. Almost a month my brain has been running around these tracks. And tonight, I got sidelined. Pulled from rotation, but staying at home is out of the question.*

Xhex: [I should have expected this. I know how bonded males get, but the grid that lands on my lawn takes me by surprise nevertheless. It's not the lust that's a shock, it's the boiling rage. The explanation is obvious, but what are the odds that @VishousBDB_ would somehow end up where John Matthew could pick up my scent? Clearly, pretty fucking high. Realistically, I should have expected this a while ago. I know my cabin is set up to keep any vampire from materializing inside, but I wouldn't put it past John to rip the place apart. It would probably be smart of me to put some real clothes on, but I don't feel like rebuilding my home. Growling low, I pull the door open, crossing my arms over my chest as I place myself firmly in the center of the entrance.] What are you doing here, John?

JM: *Goddamned biology. All it takes is seeing Xhex standing in front of me in a sports bra and panties, and my anger disappears, overwhelmed by my lust. In spite of those shiny barbed metal bands around her thighs. Groaning, I shift around, trying to make room for the erection behind my fly. Fuck. Did Vishous see her like this? No way. No way. Fuck that. He probably saw her naked. Gloriously. Fucking. Naked. Those cilices of hers probably helped him get off. Oh hey, lucky me, there’s the anger that brought me to this door. Pinning the image of her riding V to the front of my brain, I step in close and mouth the words, not bothering to sign. “What do you think?”*

Xhex: [Oh yeah, that mental visual tells me all I need to know about how close the two males got. And how low an opinion this one has of me. Then again, if the idea of having sex with me wasn’t utterly repulsive to Vishous, who knows what might have happened?] Jesus, John, I didn’t fuck him. [Scanning the male up and down, my body heats, in spite of the fact that I know I should tell him to leave. Pissed off, possibly drunk, and definitely aroused is a distinctly dangerous combination. It doesn’t look like he’s injured at all, and he’s obviously not dead.] Did you attack him?

JM: *Xhex is blocking me better than any door. I’d rip down a door, but fucking bonding keeps me from being able to hurt this female. Gnashing my teeth, I take a half step back, exactly far enough to sign right in her face. 《I wanted to. I almost did. Why was your scent all over him?》

Xhex: [I exhale slowly, biting back every nasty thing I am tempted to say to drive him away. The smartass in me wants to answer with sarcasm, and let him think the worst, but he deserves better. I never gave any explanation why I left, but running doesn’t seem to have deterred John Matthew. Maybe a little brutal honesty will finally show him he’s better off without me.] The class was a nightmare, so he offered me a drink. He needed to feed, and so did I. I’m sure you can figure it out.

JM: *After the word feed leaves Xhex’s lips, a strange noise blocks out everything else. The growling in my head is what I imagine I would sound like right now if I had a voice. Vishous and Xhex, MY Xhex, wrapped up together, feeding from each other. No way they didn’t fuck. Instinct takes over as I need to reclaim what’s MINE! Baring my fangs on a hiss, I pull Xhex up into my arms, striking hard and deep. The first greedy pull tastes wrong, even though I know it shouldn’t. My momentum carries us deeper into her cabin. Couch, bed, wall, kitchen counter, eventually we’ll hit something that I can use to get leverage to finish reclaiming MY Xhex!*

Xhex: [My breath leaves on a gasp as John’s fangs sink deep. Fuck. Why does this have to feel so right, when everything else about us is so wrong? Wrapping my legs around his waist, I’m pretty sure we’re going to be all the way in my kitchen before he stops. Sure enough, I feel my ass hit the counter, and John’s erection press against my core. Shifting my feet to rest firmly on his ass, I arch my body closer, grinding slowly to not break the seal of John’s feeding. If I were a female of worth, I would kick his ass out right now. Too bad for both of us that I’m not.]

JM: *Whoever built this cabin deserves an award, because this countertop is the perfect height. Xhex’s feet on my ass are driving me closer to where I want, no, where I need to be. With the counter keeping her perfectly positioned, I slide my fingers under the waistband of her panties, and rip the flimsy fabric to shreds. Fuck. I need to be doing this in front of Vishous, the entire fucking Brotherhood, any man who has ever looked at her ass. Every last man alive needs to know that Xhex is MINE!*

Xhex: [John’s ownership fantasy is as loud in my head as his bonding scent is strong in my nose. It’s the shot of sanity I need. Reaching up, I grab his nose and pinch it closed until the need to breathe forces him to release my vein. The moment I feel his fangs leave my skin, I plant my feet and hands firmly on his chest, pushing back as hard as I can.] NO! I am NOT yours! This gilded cage bullshit is why I left. [Hopping down from the counter, I step out of the shreds of my underwear as I advance on the male looking to put me on lockdown.] Whatever you think happened is not your business, because I am not property to be owned!

JM: *Watching her advance on me, half naked, still bleeding, all I want is to take her. The breathing thing was a dirty trick, but it’s not like I would have listened while I was feeding. Not sure I’m listening now.* 《Let me seal you up. Please. I know you’re not property.》 *Logically. Logically I know my Xhex is not property, but thoughts of claiming and marking are the only things raging through my mind.*

Xhex: You are here, right now. Did you even think to ask Vishous when you caught my scent? Did you think at all? You're running on bonding, and it's unhealthy. [Inhaling deeply to make my point about the ownership warning that's overriding every other smell in my cabin, I stalk over and tilt my head to the side.] Seal me up, and leave.

JM: *Every shift of her body is pure sex. The comment about scents sets off a flicker in my brain, but I focus on the fact that she is still bleeding to cover my intention. Leaning down, I know I still need to feed, but I lick the wound to start the healing. Snapping out one arm, I use it to pull Xhex tight to my body. My other hand reaches down, driving two fingers into that slit I'd love to be buried deep inside. Fuck, despite her protests, she's  ready for me. Bringing that hand between us, I mimic her action, inhaling deeply. "This," I mouth, "this is what I scented on him. You. Aroused. Like you are right now." Extending my tongue, I lick my fingers clean, watching her eyes track the motion.*

Xhex: [My body is a goddamned traitor. I want to kick John out, but the way my body loosens at his touch tells me that's going to be almost impossible now.] Threesome downstairs. I had let my symphath side loose on the trainees, and it wasn't content to leave that emotional buffet alone. Not that it's any of your business. [I really am telling myself to step back, push away, shove his ass out and slam the door behind him. Instead, my hand slips around, into his back pocket.]

JM: *Threesome? My legs nearly buckle at the thought of Xhex between Vishous and Butch, the two of them… but wait, Butch wasn't around? The rest of her statement finally filters into my brain. Barely. Does she want a threesome? I'd rip any male apart that tried to get near her, but what about a female? And who? It's not like my fantasies star anyone but Xhex. Whoever she picks, I guess. Lady's choice. The strike across my face has the surface area of a slap, but the force of an uppercut, and I stagger back.*

Xhex: If you are finished shouting porn into my head. Get. The. Fuck. Out! [Each word is punctuated with a sharp jab, little more than a sparring punch, before I drop back into a fighting stance. Genetic hardwiring might have my body heating with the dark spices permeating the air, but higher brain function has to prevail sometimes.] If you need a refresher on how to guard your thoughts, join the trainees next time.

JM: *Guard my thoughts, huh? Godzilla chowing down on Tokyo is the only clear image I can grab, something to do with my need to destroy a lot of hypothetical males. Whatever. I'll go with it. Rubbing at the bruises forming on my ribs, I keep that latex lizard suit pinned front and center in my brain before I drop low and charge Xhex, catching her in an awkward grip as I tackle her. Knocking her into a chair, I land on my knees, one of her legs over my shoulder and her bare core inches from my face. Perfect. Pinning her legs in place with my hands firmly on her cilices, I squeeze, driving them deeper. Drawn by the taste I already had, my tongue slides between her delicate folds. Yeah, she told me to leave, but her arousal is undeniable. If she tells me again, I'm gone, but despite being mute, I'm sure I can make a convincing argument.*

Xhex: [The chair is toast. Yeah, that is honestly my first coherent thought as John tackles me. And my last. My breathing turns to a gasp as pain flares due to the metal spikes digging deeper into my flesh, then a moan as John claims my core with his mouth. The counterpoint between the pain and the pleasure is overwhelming. Spearing my hands into his hair, I scrape my nails along his scalp, pulling him closer.]

JM: *All I can focus on is wiping the memory of every other male from Xhex’s mind. Forever. Maybe Vishous didn't do anything with her, but the way she seems into this pain right now? Giving those barbs another squeeze wrings another moan from her throat. I bet she wanted to. Damn her. And damn me, for waiting too long that night. Alternating between long strokes, and sucking on the bundle of nerves like I know drives her wild, I can tell she’s getting close when her hips start to buck. No way. Not until I’m ready. This has been torturing me for weeks, she can handle torture for one night. Fuck! I have to stop thinking about Xhex that way, or I might still try to kill Vishous.*

Xhex: [All my efforts to get any leverage are thwarted by John’s grip, and he is clearly determined to keep me right at the edge. Growling in frustration, I twist my upper body, looking for any purchase. The chair creaks, but short of dematerializing, I’m not going anywhere.] Fuck, John! 

JM: *Oh good, she still knows my name. By the end of this night, I’m going to make sure she forgets her own.  Locking eyes with Xhex, I back off from her core, knowing exactly how close she is. Turning my head slightly to the side, I don’t need to know anatomy to see the vein I want to tap. I feel my fangs elongate as I open my mouth to strike. I barely got a taste before, and while I can always call on the Chosen, this is the female I want to feed, and feed from. Biting above the cilices, I drink hard, not caring if I leave a bruise.*

Xhex: [Feeling John’s fangs sink into my thigh is all it takes to send me over the edge. Throwing my head back, I let myself enjoy the moment as John continues to feed. Dark spices flood the room again as my body settles, and I test the grip that is keeping me pinned. No luck. Panting hard, I struggle to sit up, the angles all working against me.] If you’re not getting out of my house, you need to get out of those clothes.

JM: *Finally, we’re on the same page. Licking the wound sealed, I don’t need to feed any more, but I’ll still take any chance I can get to leave my mark all over this female. Leaning back, I don’t let up on my grip, studying her face for any sign of deception because that shit is like breathing for symphaths. All I see is that my female is every bit as primed for sex as I am. I smirk at the developing bruise on Xhex’s thigh before dropping my hands to the hem of my shirt, and pulling the fabric off over my head.*

Xhex: [As soon as I can move, I’m out of the chair and working John’s fly to free his erection. We're both kneeling awkwardly on my pine floor, tugging at clothing. I dimly realize that John is barefoot, something that escaped my notice earlier, but it’s a fucking blessing as he twists around and plants his back on the floor so I can finish stripping off his jeans. The scent of dark spices thick in the room screams that this should mean something, but to me, this is a one night stand. Worse, because there are a million reasons to walk away, and only one selfish one for going forward.] You know this won’t change anything, right?

JM: *I nod my head slowly, carefully maintaining eye contact as I lower my bare ass onto the wood floor. It’s immaculately clean, smooth, and even a little warm, like I care right now? It could be sandpaper, slush, or even a bed of nails under my backside, as long as Xhex doesn’t back out. And yeah, I’m always hoping something will change with us, but in this moment I will take whatever I can get.*《I know. I don’t have to like it, but I know.》

Xhex: Good enough for me. [Tossing the denim on my abused chair, I straddle John’s hips, reaching between us to stabilize his erection as I slide myself down. My body barely needs any time to adapt, though I feel a vague unease at how similar this feels to our first time. I'm in danger of getting caught in my own head when John takes matters - and my hips - into his hands, thrusting deep enough to force all doubt from my mind.] 

JM: *Yeah, this is totally too much like that time Xhex took me in her crash pad, but I'm not some fumbling virgin anymore. Pistoning my hips, I may be on the bottom, but i'm the one controlling the pace this time. Feeling my balls start to draw up, I ease off my pace. Tilting my head to the side, I reach up and cup the back of Xhex’s head with my hand, urging her down to feed.*

Xhex: [Licking my lips, I feel my fangs drop as I zero in on John's pulse beating wildly in his neck. Opening my mouth on a hiss, I strike, and feel the strong body beneath me jerk in response. I know this male too well. He’s not about to let me stop feeding, not even if I rip his throat out when the sex gets rough. Wrapping my arms around him, I hold on tight.]

JM: *There is nothing like the feel of Xhex’s fangs, and I have to hold myself still after the sting of her bite. No reason to be a one pump chump twice with her. With her arms around me, I keep her anchored at my vein, using my free arm to push my torso up and flip us over, taking control.*

Xhex: [As everything shifts, my legs come around John’s hips, locking us together as he moves. I let him set the pace, concentrating on not ripping his throat open as I feed. The rich taste helps my focus, but only for so long. Licking the wound sealed, I give myself over to the sensations, moving my body in sync with John, still letting him lead.]

JM: *It takes everything I have to hold back while Xhex is feeding, but I manage it. Barely. The instant she's done, a handful of thrusts is all it takes to start the rolling multiples that always happen when I'm with her. And then it's up, never releasing, as I take her again, up against the wall, back to the chair. Losing track as my bonded side takes the wheel. Hours later - days? - my body finally spent, my head drops, hitting the floor. Rolling over, keeping Xhex on top of me, my only thought is that this is how things should always be with us.* 《Come home with me. Even if you did sleep with V, I don't care.》

Xhex: [And this is exacty why I should have kicked his ass out. Getting my legs under me, wobbly as they are, I can feel the change in the air around me. Reaching for his jeans on my chair, I keep my eyes firmly away from John.] It will be dawn soon. You should get back to the mansion. [Turning back to hand him the garment, I look him in the eyes, keeping my gaze - and my tone - even.] I think it’s time you started feeding from the Chosen again.

JM: *I open my mouth to ask about staying over the day in her basement room, like I expect sound to miraculously come out of my lips, when Xhex’s next words knock the breath right out of me. Ignoring the clothing in her hand, I sign furiously* 《NO! I want to feed from you. I want you to take MY vein when you need to feed.》 *Pulling my hands through my hair, I pace a tight circle, coming back to stand right in front of Xhex.* 《Please. I would rather feed from you. And I offer my vein freely. Please.》 *All I can do is wait for a response now. Any response. Because every chance I get to prove I can be more than a bonded male, all I do is the opposite.*

Xhex: [Unhealthy. That was the exact word I used, and it is exactly the right word. Fuck, this male might go on the vampire equivalent of a hunger strike if I refuse to let him take my vein. Inhaling deeply, still holding John’s jeans, I close my eyes, releasing the breath slowly.] Fine. I will let you take my vein when you need to feed. [I open my eyes, narrowing in on his as I speak my next words slowly and clearly.] But I want it witnessed. This? [I gesture between our two mostly naked bodies] Has to stop.

JM: *Witnessed? Like I can’t be trusted? I guess she has a point, but it’s not like I want anyone watching the inevitable reaction. And I didn’t miss the lack of her agreeing to feed from me either. Taking my jeans, I bend over to pull them on, searching the pattern of the wood floorboards like they can give me words to change this. Of course they can't, but a movie scene comes to mind instead.* 《As you wish.》*No clue if Xhex ever watched Princess Bride, but at least I know what I mean by it. Reaching behind Xhex, I inhale her scent deeply as I grab my shirt. She wasn't wrong about dawn, so there is really nothing else to say. Pulling the fabric over my head, I take the short walk to the door, and pause with my hand on the doorknob. Nothing. Not one word. It kills me to not turn around for a final look, but I catch the briefest glimpse as I close the door. All my earlier anger is gone as I scatter myself back to the mansion, feeling worse than before I left.*

Xhex: [Waiting for John to leave takes forever. My cabin is a complete mess, and reeks of sex. I take a few minutes to right the furniture, but there is no way I can spend the day here. I take a quick shower, scrubbing myself down twice with Dial. The scent will fade from my cabin, but I need the reminder off of my skin, now. Grabbing a fresh set of underwear, I dematerialize to the door of my underground rooms. At least I'll be able to breathe down there.] #BDB #AU #SL #Repercussions

[ironeyedkiller]

Nun of That

[I should have stayed with the nuns. Life was less complicated in the convent. Tranquil. Far from any males. I might not have even needed to move around. They might have considered me a miracle. Or a monster. I know which one is right.

Scanning the club again, I cross my arms over my chest as I ease back into the shadows. Nothing is catching my eye anywhere. Drunks aren't getting out of line, nobody is getting handsy with the working girls, and even the drug users are keeping things mellow. The real problem is my libido. Feeding from @VishousBDB_ was a great recharge for my strength, but it's left me with energy to burn. I wish I could simply pick a random human and fuck him, but that's never been my style. 

Back in the day, encountering @MurhderBDB_ was a stroke of pure luck. His size, the hair, his eyes - even the smell of him was sex and gunpowder- but it was more than that. His reputation was known throughout the race, so he had my respect before I ever laid eyes on him. That's the biggest thing lacking - respect. The Brothers have my respect, but nothing would ever go anywhere with any of them.

Even the unmated ones. 

Especially Vishous.

What the /hell/ was wrong with my head? Things have gotten worse for me since the nightmare that was Lash, and the almost never was of the Queen's brother. Half the Brotherhood wants to honor the unhealthy crush as though my name was carved in his back, the rest? Well, I'm still to blame for the loss of Murhder in their eyes. Rightfully so.

Rubbing my knuckles against the center of my chest to suppress the unwanted wave of emotion, I make a mental note to send the convent a donation. Those nuns were big on self-punishment, and I have their order to thank for my cilices. Letting my symphath side loose is not an option, since it only makes my sex drive worse. Skipping over the sea of humanity again, all the regulars are out. I've seen the worst of every last one of them, and it's not that much lower than their best. Civilian males are complicated, but I could scrub one easily enough. Except…

My mind drifts back to the male I wronged. Hopefully he's found something resembling peace in South Carolina. Playing ghost to scare humans. Hardly the place for a Brother, especially when the entire race is still under attack. Rules being rewritten every day in a scramble to keep ahead of the enemy. Hell, the whole reason he left is moot now, my secret probably nothing more than mental post it to Wrath. Maybe I should go to South Carolina? Let Murhder know how things have changed. I could ask him to come back for the good of the race, not for my own sake, obviously.

The human flying in front of me snaps me out of my musings. None of that. I have drunks to herd. If Murhder wanted anything to do with me, he'd come find me. Growling, I round on the second man, clearly the aggressor in this little drama. Maybe a good fight will finally get my head right. Or, I could always go back to the convent.] #BDB #AU #SL #NunOfThat

[ironeyedkiller]

Drinks, Demigods, and Other Bad Decisions

Xhex: You're all fucking hopeless! You had all better pray that you never come across a full blooded sin eater, because they will make your their bitch in a heartbeat! [Spinning on my heel, I aim both palms at the push bar to get out of the training gym. I shouldn't have bothered for this first exercise. Not one single trainee could keep me out of their mind at all, let alone in a combat situation. Great plan. Pit the trainees against the symphath assassin for sparring to simulate a little real world stress. The collective jump as I slam the door open sends a jolt of satisfaction through me, and not strictly because because my bad side doesn't want to vacate their fragile psyches. At least one of them is still whimpering as the door swings shut behind me. Even their precious Primus was an open book, and that with my cilices on. If the gloves were off? Well, that's the entire reason what little restraint I have left has me pounding down the hall towards the garage. The rhythmic echo of my boot heels bouncing around a background as I sift through all the petty dramas and dirty secrets in case anything is actionable. I know everyone in that room was thoroughly vetted from the second their paperwork crossed the Brotherhood desk, but not every secret has a paper trail.] I need a fucking drink.

Vishous: *My back was pressed tight to the concrete walls of the garage, blunt pressed tightly to my lips when I heard the pounding of boots. Softer than a males but still on a mission. I turned my head in the direction and had to smirk. Xhex was stomping down the tunnel, a scowl of frustration on her face. Her short dark hair looked like she had ran a hand through it a couple of times. As she came closer I nodded and pushed off the wall. We had brought her in to see how the trainees would do against a symphath. I already knew it wasn't going well. "That bad?" I said through an exhale.

Xhex: [For a change, Vishous' voice doesn't set my teeth on edge. Then again, I'm grinding them so badly that I doubt anything could. My pace doesn't falter as I snap out my reply.] Worse. Do you want details on fraternizing? Substance use? What they call you behind your back? I've even got early childhood trauma on every one of them. [Pulling up short, I narrow my eyes at the Brother.] Do you have any idea what, or who, a snape is? One of them thought I was exactly like snape, and it did /not/ seem complimentary. I need to get out of here, stat, before I show them exactly why sin eaters are bad for the vampire population.

Vishous: *chuckling at the females response I put the blunt out on the bottom of my shitkicker and put the butt in my pocket.* "I'm pretty sure I know what they call me behind my back. That Snape character is a teacher from Harry Potter, popular with the kids nowadays. I wouldn't take it as a compliment." I muse. "We do appreciate you coming in and letting them have a taste. I am your ride. Want me to take you home?" 

Xhex: Harry Potter. Huh. [If any of them had tried a little more focus on pop culture, they might not be crying right now. Maybe the concept of holding one image was beyond the limited attention span of this generation. Next time, I'll have them try song lyrics, tv shows - wait - next time? Like I'm a regular teacher or something. A regular teacher who is about to go out and turn a few dozen humans loose on themselves and each other, just to take the edge off.] You're my ride? Great. [Not my first choice, but probably for the best, as I doubt any of the doggen could keep me out.] I'm not going home though, just drop me on Trade Street. I promise to keep the damages minimal, and human. 

Vishous: *Raises a dark brow, my diamond eyes slightly glowing.* "You know, normally I wouldn't ask but I'm fuck all bored and you look like you can use a drink." *Walks towards the Escalade and unlocks it using the key fob. I open the big ass door and get inside, turning to you before I start the engine.* 

Xhex: [Given the usual tension between us, the Escalade is a surprise. I half expected to be shown to a trunk. With a shrug, I slide into the passenger side] I definitely need a drink, but I doubt you want to watch a sin eater play with the drunken masses in the clubs. No matter how bored you claim to be. [My vision is already flickering red, my need to feed from my vampire side messing with my control. Without any conscious effort, I catch myself analyzing your grid, my bad side threading tendrils out for any weakness.] Sorry.

Vishous: *I simultaneously cut the engine on and the radio off, so that I can hear you. I start pulling the SUV out of the garage. It was slightly difficult to think clearly, how long had it been since I fed last? Not a damn clue. I had been so busy lately that shit was farthest from my though. * "I don't think it's the smartest move to cause a media uproar by mind fucking the humans, also more work for me to clean up your mess. So that is a no go. Why don't you get your shit together somewhere quiet. I'm headed to the Commodore. It has alcohol and your boss lives next door if you don't want to come inside. Those are your options till you get this *taps my temple* under control, feel me?"

Xhex: What are you, Vishous Poppins? Playing nanny to the symphath and defending drunks. [Letting my head fall back, I pinch the bridge of my nose, rubbing the underside of my brow with my thumb.] I really fucking hate when you're right. I'm too well known around Trade Street to get caught in the middle of anything. [Opening my eyes, my vision is still far from normal. If it were anyone else, I'd suspect ulterior motives behind this offer.] Pretty sure I won't need Rehvenge to save me from one drink. [Closing my eyes again, I focus on the sound and feel of the vehicle, trying to ground myself so I don't end up, well, grounded.]

Vishous: *smirking at the odd nickname, I pull out into the highway. About twenty minutes later I pull up to the Commodores garage and kill the engine. I step out of the SUV and make my way to the elevator with you in tow. I hit the top floor bottom and while it goes up I scan you, out of habit. Your color is off. At the top floor I step out and walk over to my door, punching in the passcode on the keypad and slipping the card key into the slot until a green light comes on and then a click. I turn the door knob and before pushing the door all the way open I stop.* "No questions about what you see." 

Xhex: [Rolling my eyes, I nearly pivot to pound on Rehvenge's door instead.] You mean this isn't your sex dungeon? If this is where you keep your vintage Barbie collection, you better believe I'll ask you how much they're worth. [Angling past you, I brace my shoulder against the door, pushing it open as I back in.] If only a tenth of your reputation is true, nothing is going to shock me in here. Unless you've gone furry. No judgment though, only surprise. [Cocking my head to the side with a smirk I maintain eye contact as I stop three feet into the room, letting all my senses other than sight thread out. An incredibly stupid move on my part, as I start picking up on human emotions in lower floors. Nothing for it now, except to bleed off a little of each. Lucky me, Rehvenge doesn't seem to be in the building, or this would be all kinds or awkward. I can't entirely stifle my laugh at the mental image of him rushing out to play overprotective brother.]

Vishous: *chuckling and shaking my head as you push past me, I close the door behind me. I leave you to your devices as I walk over to the kitchen and pull two glasses out, along with a bottle of grey goose.* "Cop keeps Lag here, if you prefer that over vodka?"

Xhex: [My nose wrinkles at the mention of O'Neal's choice of Scotch.] I'll take the vodka over an Islay any day, thanks. My taste runs to Highlands and Speyside. [Following you into the kitchen, the minimal decor barely registers as the nearby human grids have caught my attention.] I don't know how Rehvenge can come here unmedicated. The tiniest little push, and I could set off two murder/suicides. But I won't. Your downstairs neighbours, though? They both want a threesome with his friend, and the friend wants it too, but none of them has had the nerve to do anything. Until tonight.

Vishous: *I unscrew the lid and fill up both glasses, handing one to you before I down half my glass. The familiar burn a nice welcome down my throat. Locking my diamond eyes on your grey ones, I press my ass against the counter.* "Now I don't know you personally all that well. But I know enough to realize that your control is slipping. When was the last time you fed? Perhaps you should get your blood lust under control before you mind fuck the humans, and lose control, feel me?" 

Xhex: [The vodka provides a welcome distraction, my mind running through every cocktail that requires this liquid as I process your words. Sipping the drink, I maintain eye contact as I consider my response. No backing down from your stare for /this/ female.] You're right, you don't know me well. I kept myself hidden for three centuries, I know how to keep myself in check. This has more to do with loosening my control to play with your trainees than any blood lust. Though, I'll admit, it's been a while. Not like the Brotherhood with Chosen popping in at a moment's notice. I'll make some arrangement. 

Vishous: "Just because the Chosen are available doesn't mean shit. I wouldn't normally do this, but It could play out to both of our advantages. I'll let you feed from me, in return for your blood." *I finish my drink and move to pour another.*

Xhex: [Holy shit! Vodka really fucking burns when it goes up your nose! Choking on my drink, I look around for cameras, or maybe Lassiter.] Is this a joke? Some old school Candid Camera stunt? [Even as I speak, I feel my fangs drop. Damn the observant genius for being right.]

Vishous: *Holding back a true laugh as the female chokes on her drink, I simply shrug and take a few more swallows of my freshly poured drink. My diamond eyes glowing at her elongated fangs.* 

Xhex: [Glaring, I toss back the rest of my drink and slam my glass on the counter. The burn is killing the choking sensation as I pour another. Not like it's easy to drink from a glass with my fangs like this.] Feeding from Rehvenge is like feeding from family, but at least I know he won't try anything. Unlike when I used to pay in gold coin to take a vein. [Downing several swallows, I consider the option you've offered. This moment right here is probably the most civil we've ever been towards one another, and I'm not picking up on anything resembling lust, but still…] You first. [I tilt my head towards your gloved hand.] I'd rather not have that close to me. No offense. 

Vishous: *I set my glass down and flex the fingers on my gloved hand. I take the few steps over to you and hold out my ungloved hand for your wrist, my fangs punching out from behind my lips.* "No offense taken. Most don't even give me a second glance. I prefer it that way." *I tap the left side of my temple where my tattoos are.* "If nothing else, I am a male of my word. No harm will come to you here." *I could see her pulse throbbing on the side of her neck, could smell her hunger. Suddenly my throat became dry. That's when I realized how much I had let myself lack in the blood department.* 

Xhex: [Talk about your truth is stranger than fiction moments. If anyone had ever suggested I would let Vishous, son of the Bloodletter take my vein, and that I would take his in return, I would have probably cut their tongue out. But here we are.] Do you have anywhere to sit, or is it all stocks, racks and whipping benches? [Dimly I register a set of tall stools tucked along under the island, and pull one out, setting my heel on the crossbar to hike my ass up on the seat.] Nevermind, I found one. [Swallowing hard, I put my elbow on the counter like I'm getting ready to arm wrestle. The combat mentality doubtless stemming from the eyes locked on my neck. Shifting my weight, I stretch my arm up, ready to bolt if things get strange. Stranger.]

Vishous: *I pulled out the stool beside you and sat down. My eyes watching your movements, I sensed an uneasiness. But if you didn't want to do this you wouldn't have extended your arm to me. I propped my elbow on the counter as well and took your extended arm with my ungloved hand. I moved my mouth close to your wrist, my diamond eyes watching your grey ones for signs I should stop. When there was no command for me to stop, no jerking back your wrist, I pressed my mouth to the soft flesh of your wrist and bit down hard with my fangs. My eyes still watching you and I swallowed mouthfuls of your blood. It wasn't Chosen blood, but blood of a warrior. I could feel it strengthen me, my senses becoming more focused.*

Xhex: [I honestly can't pinpoint why I asked you to feed first. Maybe to prove this isn't some joke, because who would really take half symphath blood over that of a Chosen? Or it could be that I'm still not sure about feeding from you. Easing back slightly on the stool, i have to wonder if this isn't the extent of your normal furniture. It's not quite a business arrangement like I used to make, and not a matter of mutual safety like Rehvenge, but it feels similar enough. My mind wanders, still too easily distracted and too eager to bleed off emotions, back to the three humans below. Pushing, nudging, loosening inhibitions on their mutual attraction. The worst thing to come out of this tiny piece of a mindfuck will be a very awkward breakfast in the morning. Unlike our surreal exchange, which is awkward right now with you watching me like I'm a scared rabbit.] I'm not going to bolt. 

Vishous: *I retract my fangs and lick the marks I made on your wrist. Carefully releasing your hand.* "That's good to know. Your turn." *I shrug off my leather Jacket, letting it fall to the floor. Now exposing my weapons harness, complete with daggers and Glocks. I extend my arm on the counter in front of you, wrist up.*

Xhex: [I pull my arm back slowly, careful not to snatch it away. Rubbing my wrist as you ditch the jacket, it's the daggers that catch my attention. Murhder never let his get out of reach. A true warrior is never unprepared, and that's what this is about; being prepared by being at full strength. Taking your extended arm, I flick my eyes up, narrowing them as I focus on yours. I know better than to try to get a read on your grid, but I'd pay a lot to know where this is coming from. Swallowing hard, I bite down before I can second guess all of this. It's been a long time since I've had blood this strong, if ever. The first mouthful hits, and my vision goes red, my bad side reenergized. My eyes shift, focussing on the pulse in the neck, as the flow from the wrist suddenly seems too slow.]

Vishous: *Watching you with diamond eyes as your fangs pierce my flesh. The pain vanishes within seconds and all I feel is the pressure from the seal of your lips. I notice your grey eyes shifting, your grip on my forearm tightening, and your body language shifting as if predator ready to take down her prey. I was ready for an attack, fully capable of restraining the female if need be. But her next movements caught me off guard.* 

Xhex: [Thrilled to have slipped the reins, my symphath side bleeds off bits of human emotion, so close to the surface. All the lust and desire I was stoking in them continuing to amplify even as I take a share. And on the topic of taking what I desire, I retract my fangs from the anemic supply at the wrist, striking quickly for the jugular instead. With a groan, I climb up to get closer. Even as I straddle the male, a part of my mind screams that something is wrong, but the bloodlust will not be denied.]

Vishous: *Her movements were quick but I braced myself as I felt her let go of my arm. The scent in the air changed, I had only a fraction of a second to see the lust in her eyes as she struck my throat. I threw out my hand to catch the lip of the bar as the momentum pushed us backwards. My gloved hand was around her back, holding her to me so she didn't rip a chunk out of my throat. My hand slipped from the bar and we went backwards, the stool rolled out from under me and Xhex was still feeding, her smaller frame straddling me. I had never allowed anyone to take my vein in such intimate manner, I was shocked, and at the same time, none of this situation felt like sex.* 

Xhex: [The blood down the back of my throat is a lifeline I've been without for too long. Swallowing greedily, a crash registers dimly, even as another wave of lust washes through me from the humans below. Damn. The blood for my vampire side, the desire for the symphath, and a male body under me? Too. Fucking. Long. The combination is overwhelming, and I roll my hips, half lost to the sensations. Once sated, I retract my fangs, lick the wound, and push myself upright. Staring back up at me are diamond eyes, one surrounded by tattoos in the Old Language. How the hell did I forget who I was feeding from?] Shit.

Vishous: *I was very wrong as the female on top of me started rolling her hips. I locked my hands on her thighs and groaned, narrowing my eyes as she pushed herself upright.* "What are you doing Xhex? You lost control." 

Xhex: [Good fucking question. In a gesture born of habit, I move my hands to rub them over the cilices under my leathers, only to find the space occupied. Snatching them back, I notice the wrist of Vishous' ungloved hand is still bleeding.] Sorry. You should seal that. [Nodding sharply towards the open wound, I rely on my memory of Rehvenge's penthouse to dematerialize to the wall of windows. Although, Rehv's side does not have a sex dungeon with a view. Sliding a section of glass open, I step out onto the balcony and take a deep breath. Scattering my molecules again, I head for my basement crash pad to try to make sense of everything that just happened.]

Vishous: *As her hands brushed the tops of mine and then retracted, I let go of her thighs and sat up as she dematerialized to the opposite side of my penthouse. I watched her open the window and a second later she was gone into the night.* "What. The. Fuck." *Shaking my head I stood up and brought my wrist to my mouth, licking it closed. I needed some more to drink.*

~~#AU #DrinksDemigodsAndOtherBadDecisions ~~